East Africa and the Middle East are Encountering Major Music Industry Growth

The Middle East and East Africa are now the fastest-growing music markets in the world, according to the latest findings from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

Its Global Music Report 2025 revealed that revenues across the two regions rose by a combined 22.8% in 2024 — a sharp increase driven primarily by streaming.

“There are several factors at play, mainly related to streaming,” IFPI regional director Rawan Dabbas told The National. Subscription streaming, particularly paid accounts, has expanded significantly, alongside steady growth in ad-supported audio platforms. Strong releases from established and emerging artists across the region have further accelerated momentum.

Streaming Powers a Regional Boom

4

Digital adoption is at the center of this rise. Affordable smartphones, improved internet infrastructure and a young, tech-savvy population have made streaming the dominant format in both the Middle East and East Africa.

In markets like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, paid subscriptions are climbing steadily. Meanwhile, in East African countries such as Kenya and Ethiopia, ad-supported streaming and mobile-based access are widening reach and introducing local artists to international listeners.

The result is a region that is no longer simply consuming global hits but exporting its own sounds — from Arabic pop and Khaleeji rhythms to East Africa’s Afropop, Gengetone and Bongo Flava.

Industry Infrastructure Expands

4

The growth is also visible on the business side.

In 2024, the International Music Summit launched its first Dubai edition at the W Dubai - The Palm, convening executives, artists and festival founders to discuss the region’s influence on global dance music. Speakers included Billboard Arabia Managing Editor Maha Einabawi, Saudi DJ Cosmicat, and Oasis Festival founder Marjana Jaidi, who highlighted how regional scenes are shaping electronic music culture beyond traditional Western hubs.

This institutional recognition signals that the Middle East — alongside emerging East African markets — is increasingly central to the global music conversation.

Global Platforms Look South and East

4

At the same time, international platforms are localizing their strategies.

Electronic music marketplace Beatport recently expanded its regional focus with Beatport Mexico, introducing tailored pricing and content for local audiences. Its Beatport Connect: Mexico City event gathered industry professionals for panels and workshops, alongside performances from artists including Jessica Audiffred and Dj Fucci.

While centered in Latin America, the move reflects a broader industry shift: music companies are recognizing that growth is coming from emerging markets — including the Middle East and East Africa — where streaming adoption, cultural output and youth-driven demand are reshaping the global music economy.

As revenues climb and infrastructure strengthens, these regions are not just growing faster than the rest of the world — they are redefining where the future of music is being built.....